Question 1

What is domain backordering / drop-catching?

Accepted Answer

When a registered domain expires and is not renewed, it eventually drops and becomes available again. A backorder is a standing request to register that name the moment it drops. NameBid lets you watch expiring names and plan a backorder.

Question 2

How do I find a domain for a friend?

Accepted Answer

Type your friend's name. NameBid generates candidate domains across common patterns (firstlast, first-last, initials) and TLDs (.com, .dev, .io and more), shows which look available, taken, premium or dropping soon, and lets you gift the good ones.

Question 3

Is the availability data real?

Accepted Answer

Yes — on the live site, NameBid checks registration status through RDAP, the public protocol run by the domain registries themselves, with no API key needed. Results are labelled "Live registry data". If the check service is unreachable (e.g. running locally), a clearly-marked deterministic demo dataset is shown instead, and you can connect your own registrar / availability API in settings. Real backordering and drop-catching require a registrar integration (on the roadmap).

Question 4

Is this domain squatting?

Accepted Answer

No. NameBid is for gifting a name to a real friend or securing your own, and for a transparent aftermarket. Do not register trademarks or names to hold hostage — that is cybersquatting and is prohibited under the ACPA and ICANN's UDRP.